Ancient Chinese wisdom gives young Kenyans inspiration

NAIROBI/JINAN — "The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting," says Eddy Paul Kirimi, a student at the Confucius Institute at the Kenyatta University in Nairobi, Kenya. "If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles."

Kirimi was quoting from The Art of War, the Chinese classic by strategist Sun Tzu, dating to the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BC).

The ancient book, which has influenced people all around the world, continues to inspire reflection among young Kenyans.

The Sun Tzu Book House, which opened recently at the university's Confucius Institute, features various iterations of the author's work, including some printed on silk, others on wood or scrolls, and is the first Sun Tzu Book House opened abroad by authorities from East China's Shandong province.

Kirimi says that The Art of War opens the minds of young Kenyans to overcoming problems and planning for a better future, adding that it enables them to experience Chinese culture and learning.

"It is not a book that advocates strength, yet it focuses on strategic wisdom and philosophy that I find useful in life and work," he says.

"The most important lesson I learned from it is that in every situation, you have to be courageous and strong, and then think it through to complete everything and achieve success."

In 2023, Kirimi spent six months studying Chinese at Shandong Normal University, and fell in love with the country's culture, which prompted him to seek a better understanding of Chinese civilization and promote exchange between Kenya and China.

Phyllis Wahura Maina, another student at the Confucius Institute, says that she is honing her understanding of The Art of War and looks forward to applying Sun Tzu's wisdom in daily life.

She says that the book has influenced her way of thinking, helping her to think ahead before doing something and develop strategies appropriate for different situations.

Maina encourages her compatriots to use The Art of War as a guide in the pursuit of their goals when facing challenges.

Fan Qingyun, a teacher at the Confucius Institute, often discusses The Art of War with her students.

She says that the book emphasizes the philosophy and ideals of Sun Tzu, who advocated a people-centered approach to using peaceful ways to manage the relationship between countries, instead of war, and adds that the Confucius Institute will continue to promote this indispensable part of Chinese culture, so that more Kenyans will be able to appreciate the cultural treasure.

"I am delighted and proud to know that Sun Tzu is popular among young Kenyans," says Liu Ming, head of the project, adding that the book house could become a platform for better mutual understanding, and the integration of Chinese and African cultures.

"We will open more book houses so that the wisdom of The Art of War is able to enlighten more people," Liu adds.

Xinhua